The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dog Lovers

by Amy Shojai | Dec 9, 2022 | Dog Training & Care | 0 comments

Magical-Dawg with Seren-Kitty, pastel by my dad.

‘Tis the season, dog lovers! I remember one year when my dad sent me a pastel portrait of my German Shepherd, Magic (with the cat). They’d NEVER get that close in real life! That painting is one of my favorite treasures to this day. Finding the perfect gift for your dog and dog-obsessed friends and family can be tricky. But it’s so worth it to see their huge smile when they unwrap that pawsome present!

If you’re on the hunt for dog-riffic gifts, look no further. You’re sure to find something outrageously fun, quirky, adorable or practical for the dog-loving people and dogs in your life below.

Bravo, a very-good-boy.

One-of-a-kind custom dog painting. Imagine if you received a custom portrait of your dear dog. This Etsy shop takes a photo of your pet and turns it into a masterpiece. Pet art makes a difference because it celebrates special moments, or even memorializes a beautiful relationship. I commissioned this portrait of Bravo after he left us.

You can also “Cartoonify Your Pets” with Hand-Drawn Custom Pet Portraits from Pet Creations Art. Just “click” on the dog-mouse image below to learn more!

On the road with doggy best friends. Yes, the weather gets frightful this time of year, but many people (and their dogs) enjoy camping all year long. I’ve never seen a pop-up camper tent like this–looks like there’s room for you and a couple of furry friends, and now’s the time to plan for later travel events. Bow-wow!

A customized throw pillow. Who wouldn’t love a custom pillow of their beloved dog? Scroll through your friend’s social media feed to find the perfect photo of their pet to use for the pillow design.

Stocking stuffer for doggy toes. Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips offer a great option for canines to get a better “grip” on things. Old dogs, frail dogs, any dog with balance issues on slick surfaces benefit. Now we have hardwood floors, I know this will help prevent our Shadow-Pup from “spinning his wheels” during zoomies.

Pet ID. Another GREAT stocking stuffer that can save a dog’s life is the UNDERCOLLAR, an easy to use and fit slip on that fits beneath an existing collar or harness. I got one to test for Shadow-Pup. Five years in the making, the gorgeous packaging, craftsmanship, and insightful design and purpose can’t be beat! This is the world’s only stretch band slip-on QR Code pet ID collar. Anyone finding your pet can scan the code with their smart phone, and you immediately get an alert. It’s insurance for your pet, and meant to be worn 24/7. It comes in blue, pink, and orange, and white, with six sizes. It fits tiny pets to horses! For a limited time, it’s on sale for the holidays. Get one for your pet, and one for your family and friends’ pets.

A gift certificate always fits. Everyone loves pet-related gifts, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what a pet-parent wants or needs. A gift certificate to a local pet specialty store or online location like Chewy.com, a groomer or pet sitter, or a gift card to choose whatever they like online, is always a favorite. If you know someone who has been talking about adding a pet to their family, a certificate to cover the adoption fee at your local shelter would be an awesome choice!

Get fun or important info with DNA Kit. Not sure about the dog’s breed? Try a Dog WIsdom DNA Test. Many dogs, especially rescues, are a mix of lots of breeds. My Shadow-Pup is a Kelpie wannabe, and the DNA test would be great to identify any potential hidden health issues. Dognomics also has a DNA Test for dogs.

How about a book dedicated to your dog? From puppies to old-fogies, vital athletes, or first-aid for just-in-case emergencies, I’ve got you covered. Prefer dog-centric thrills? Yep, have those, too. Choose your pick of the litter-ati, and then EMAIL me (amy@shojai.com) your snail mail address and how you want it signed. I’ll send you a paw-tographed bookplate signed to the dog (or the human) you can download and print on a sticky label to insert into the book. *s* The physical books are available on Amazon, and on Barnes & Noble, or ask your local indie store to order for you.

What’s the best dog-inspired gift you’ve ever gotten? Post a pic on my Facebook page or share in the comments.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Categories:

Recent Posts

Author Audio Books: How to Self Publish Audio Books

Do you love audio books — and thrillers? Yep, I also self publish audio books, including my nonfiction and my thrillers. And since my latest thriller DARE OR DIE released yesterday on all Ebook platforms, plus paperback and hardcover, I’m now planning the audiobook version.

And, that’s MY voice reading the story. How (and why) am I the one reading the book? And for authors out there, how can you do it? What mic do you need, what software…and if you want to hire someone, where do you find the perfect person to “voice” your book?

Read on! Here are the highlights. And if you want or need more step-by-step details, you can check out my on-demand webinar on the subject.

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day: Tips for Cat Adoptions & Dog Adoptions

Will you adopt a new furry friend soon? There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. With Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, I wanted to share some sobering adoption facts. In the ASPCA alone, 6.3 million dogs and cats enter their shelters each year, and only about 52% get adopted. I wrote about my pets’ adoption days here, and they chose me more than I chose them. But you don’t need to wait for happy accidents to get your pet, and can adopt shelter pets anytime all year long.

Dare Or Die RELEASES: Amy Shojai Thriller Book #7

DARE OR DIE RELEASES

It’s a book baby birthday today–DARE OR DIE releases, thriller #7 in my THRILLERS WITH BITE series featuring September and Shadow. Get your copy from any of the Ebook platforms.

Or if you prefer physical copies, I gotcha covered with trade paperback and also hardcover versions, available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, or (maybe) if you ask your librarian nicely to order a copy. For all the audiobook lovers out there–yes, in the works, so stay tuned. I hope to have the recording finished and sent to the editor for a late May release on all audiobook platforms.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR DARE OR DIE!

“Wow—what a ride! I cannot express how much I loved DARE OR DIE. I enjoy thrillers, but you gave new meaning to the genre with this one. Now I have to go back and read the entire series!” ~Mary H.

“Such a great page turner. Twisty.” ~Carol S.

“This might be the best one yet! As always, you are the queen of the (chapter ending) cliffhanger…” ~Kristi B.

“Another great addition to the Thrillers with Bite series.” ~Nicola A.

Get your copy now…Ebook, paperback, or hardcover. Ya know ya want to…

Cat Urinary Blockage, Feline Urinary Tract Disorders & The “Stoned” Cat

Do you know the signs of a cat urinary blockage? Do you know about FLUTD? Maybe you’re puzzled why your cat suddenly pees outside the box? Or maybe he strains and strains but can’t elminate. Is it constipation? Or does he have a cat urinary blockage? How can I stop my cat from peeing on the carpet?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD) can cause deadly cat urinary blockage. It frustrates cat owners—and also the cats! A cat urinary blockage can be deadly, so it’s vital to recognize the signs of a feline urinary tract disorder. This post is dedicated to my friend Susan Richardson-Cripps and the memory of Heathcliff, her fun-loving orange kitty boy.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

How to Get the Most from Vet Visits: What to Ask & How to Ask

When I worked as a veterinary technician many years ago, pet parents ask questions all the time, but rarely to the vet. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the doctor when they take pets to the back, or feared their questions were foolish. Maybe the busy schedule of the clinic offered little opportunity to ask.

Whatever the reason, remember that there are no foolish questions for your beloved cat and dog. Does your dog hate the vet, or is your cat fearful of vet visits? That can increase your own worry and stress.

As your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear free when asking your vet questions.

Calling All Pet Professionals: What to do about Dr. Google

Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, I spent much of my time “translating” the doctor’s medical-speak into language that pet parents more easily understood. I can’t complain, because that gave me my career. But why turn to the vet tech instead of the doctor? Well, clients felt intimidated to ask the veterinarian for clarification, embarrassed they didn’t understand, and reluctant to “waste the doctor’s time.”

My, how times change. Today, many pet parents arrive at the clinic with the leash or carrier in one hand and a printout in the other, courtesy of “Dr. Google.” Pet professionals applaud their advocacy and determination to self-educate and provide the best care for their animal companions.

But pet professionals become frustrated when this information is at best inapplicable, and at worst, downright dangerous. Yet, you don’t want to appear condescending or “hiss off” your clients, so they stop coming altogether. And pet lovers–you don’t want to be discounted in your hunt for best practices for your cats and dogs.

Don’t bump heads. Here are some ways to manage Dr. Google without driving each other away.

Earth Day for Pets: How to Celebrate Responsibly

It’s Earth Day! Now, we have to be responsible because the Earth is the only place that has dogs and cats. Am I right? So how will you make Earth Day for pets a fun celebration? Shadow-Pup, Karma-Kat and I are encouraging everyone to do their part to help take care of this gorgeous planet we share.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Environment

Do you get bored? How do you know when your cat feels bored, just like we do? Cats may sleep more (and they already sleep a LOT!). If you free feed leaving out food all the time, a bored cat fills up their empty feelings with a full tummy. Or, they may act out by scratching the wrong object, or–in my Karma-Kat’s case, he torments the dog.

I’m a huge proponent of environmental enrichment for cats. Think about it–while dogs more typically get outings with walks in the park or car rides, we keep cats safe inside. No wonder they get bored. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, think about some eco-friendly ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money, either, or a lot of time. Here are some easy and fun “green” projects to try and see if that turns on the kitty purrs.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. I struggle not to binge on snacks and bad TV. Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and environmental enrichment elevates your dog’s physical and emotional health.

When Shadow-Pup feels bored, he terrorizes Karma-Kat. Oh, they love to play together, but he overdoes things and can get too rough when he feels bored. He’ll also demand more attention from his humans. That takes the form of staring and barking at us (READ MY MIND!), or bringing toys to play, or even indulging in zoomies–racing around and around the house l

There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world. That doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this spring.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author. You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website.

Visit the website

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.